The interim report of the Flood tribunal is a major work of investigation. The results have been put before the public and the judgments are dramatic and of considerable importance. One of the salutary lessons of the interim report, which will apply to other tribunals and also the future work of the Flood tribunal, is that it gives a clear answer to those who might be tempted to give tribunals the run-around, concoct fantastic or preposterous stories to explain inconsistencies or, in general, show contempt, through the tribunals, to the Oireachtas and the people.